Deep plot sinks Hollow Man

The film Hollow Man delivers an array of eye-dazzling special effects, while having difficulty maintaining an eye-pleasing appeal to the audience. Director Paul Verhoeven Nick Tipton 8/22/00 (Total Recall, Showgirls) has comprised a true science fiction epic about the scientific discovery of invisibility. The film explores the experimental procedures leading up to this phenomenon. Although the concept of invisibility has not graced the silver screen for quite some time, most notably in the classic The Invisible Man, Hollow Man takes a deeper scientific look at the question of invisibility. The story of the film maintains a slight similarity to its most famous predecessor. Kevin Bacon plays Sebastian Caine Nick Tipton 8/22/00 , the leading researcher in a government-based experiment into the realms of invisibility. When the film opens, Caine's team has advanced to producing invisible animals. When his research nears completion, Caine deceives government officials to allow time to try the procedure on his self. As Verhoeven spoke of the film in a recent press release, he referred to the works of Plato. He said an invisible person would become intoxicated with the power, and abuse it simply because he could get away with it. He would steal and he would enter homes and rape and kill at will, Verhoeven said. When Caine becomes invisible he explores these ideas and becomes more of a mad scientist than a researcher. Caine then becomes obsessed with his power and the prevention of any government intervention. Verhoeven summed the transformation of power in saying, It is a science fiction suspense thriller that ultimately turns into a horror story as the science deteriorates. Hollow Man is an intriguing film that explores a futuristic style of science and fantasy. However, with all this array of wonder, the film lacks a quality storyline and misses the charm of the original Invisible Man. Many of the scenes become predictable as Caine becomes more psychologically damaged. There is too much Hollywood show and too little dramatic appeal. Caine's behavior, along with other supporting characters, becomes over-the-top as the film progresses. However, special effects do not go unnoticed in the film. The achievements seen in Hollow Man are eye candy for a vast amount of the film, but become mundane as the final climatic scenes grace the screen. Elizabeth Shue Nick Tipton 8/22/00 plays opposite Bacon. She emerges as a great element to the film that gives audience members a reason to root against Caine. Bacon does a decent job as an arrogant scientist and evil character although his script limits a full exploration of his new world. Hollow Man delivers in suspense and graphics, but lacks appeal in deep plot scheme and overall entertainment value. Rating: C